Abdelatty blames Israel, downplays Hamas obstruction in Gaza talks

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, whose country plays a central role in mediation efforts over the Gaza war, dismissed as “nonsense” the claim that the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza is voluntary.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), Abdelatty accused Israel of creating famine conditions in Gaza to force residents off their land.

This rhetoric aligns closely with Hamas talking points, despite the fact that Hamas itself remains the primary obstacle to peace. 

The organization’s sole objective is to maintain its grip on the Gaza Strip. Civilian suffering, casualties, and allegations of famine or genocide are systematically exploited by Hamas as propaganda tools, designed to present the group as the victim of Israeli aggression.

Abdelatty’s appearance alongside Philippe Lazzarini also raises concerns. UNRWA’s leadership has long been accused of anti-Israel bias, and its credibility has been further damaged by revelations that some of its staff were directly involved in the October 7, 2023 massacres, which left more than 1,000 Israeli civilians dead.

For years, Hamas and Islamic Jihad have used UNRWA facilities in Gaza to stockpile weapons, operate command centers, and provide access to tunnel networks used for terror attacks. These facts undermine the impartiality of the agency and call into question its continued role in the region.

Ceasefire Mediation at a Standstill

The Egyptian minister also referenced ongoing talks with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff on intensifying efforts to implement a ceasefire proposal. In August, Hamas accepted a 60-day truce plan involving the release of half the hostages it still holds in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Yet Israel, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has stressed that any agreement must ensure the full release of hostages and security guarantees. Netanyahu has insisted that Israel will negotiate but only under terms that prevent Hamas from regrouping or claiming victory.

By echoing Hamas’s accusations and partnering with figures openly hostile to Israel, Egypt’s foreign minister risks legitimizing a false narrative.

 The real obstacle to peace is Hamas, a terrorist organization that thrives on prolonging the conflict and exploiting civilian suffering.

Until regional mediators acknowledge this reality, ceasefire initiatives will remain stalled, and Hamas will continue to manipulate international opinion through fabricated statistics and inflammatory accusations.